Florida Tech To Host No. 4 North Alabama Today
By Florida Tech // October 18, 2014
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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – It’s safe to assume that Florida Tech was riding high after its last-second road victory over West Alabama last weekend.
All of that is put aside now as the Panthers prepare for a Gulf South Conference battle with No. 4 North Alabama Saturday night at Palm Bay High School’s Pirate Stadium.
This weekend’s 6 p.m. matchup marks Florida Tech’s Breast Cancer Awareness Game. Players and coaches will wear pink accessories to help bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. Also, fans are encouraged to wear pink to support the initiative.
“North Alabama is a really great football team and they have been for a really long time,” said head coach Steve Englehart
“Coach (Bobby) Wallace has come back for his second stint at North Alabama and done a great job… They have great talent across the board and a defense that is probably as physical as we’re going to see all year… It’s going to be a great test but I think our guys are going to be ready.”
With just a pair of seconds remaining in last Saturday’s contest, redshirt freshman quarterback Mark Cato hit tight end Gabe Hughes in the back of the end zone to give the Panthers a 33-32 victory and their first-ever GSC road win.
In total, Cato tallied 239 yards and two touchdowns, as well as three interceptions, on 20-43 passing. Xavier Milton led the Panthers in receiving with 84 yards and a touchdown on six receptions, while also forcing and recovering a fumble after a UWA interception. The Panthers registered 230 rushing yards in the game, led by Trevor Sand with 17 carries for 110 yards and two scores.
Jake Holsinger led the Panthers with nine total tackles, all of which were solo. J.J Sanders forced a fumble for the Panther defense, recovered by Keith Lovett II. Leo Alba II garneredFlorida Tech’s lone interception.
North Alabama comes to Melbourne following a 27-6 road victory over UNC-Pembroke, improving the team’s record to 5-0. Jacob Thomas tallied 223 yards and a score through the air, while Lamonte Thompson led the UNA rushing attack with 82 yards on 20 carries. The North Alabama defense held the Braves to just six first downs and 193 total yards.
All remaining Florida Tech football games can be heard on the Panthers’ new Official Radio Partner WFIT 89.5 FM. Jerry Durney and Paul Van Scott will start Saturday’s broadcast with a pregame show at 5:30 p.m. ET. The broadcast can also be heard at WFIT.org and through the free TuneIn Radio app.
